Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage uses some of the same movements and techniques as Swedish massage therapy, only with a firmer, deeper pressure. It’s used for chronic aches and pain and contracted areas such as a stiff neck and upper back, low back pain, leg muscle tightness, and sore shoulders.

While deep tissue massage uses some of the same movements and techniques as Swedish massage therapy, only with a firmer, deeper pressure. At the beginning of the massage, lighter pressure is applied to warm up and prep the muscles. With time deeper more focused techniques such as stripping and friction are used to release the muscle from the fascia. Deep tissue massage is used to break up scar tissue and to physically break down muscle “knots” or adhesions that result from chronic muscle tension.

Chronic muscle tension can disrupt circulation, cause pain and limitation of motion and inflammation. The deep gliding motions used along the length of the muscle releases the underlying tissue to improve range of motion and increase circulation to the tissue. Friction across the muscle grain or scars, breaks down adhesions and realigns the tissue fibers, reducing inflammation and muscle tension.

Deep tissue massage is utilized to address chronic neck and back pain, muscle strains and sprains, tendonitis, repetitive muscle injury, and postural problems. Muscle pain stemming from chronic tension builds up over a lifetime and therefore cannot be resolved with just one session or only by deep tissue massage. In fact, undoing chronic knots and tension built up over a lifetime is best achieved with an integrated program that includes exercise, work on your posture and ways of moving, relaxation techniques and a regular program of massage.

AtValley Rehab Center we offer an integrated approach to chronic pain that includes modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, infrared light therapy, and manual therapy techniques to align the spine and joints. In addition, therapeutic exercise and movement therapy is utilized to improve postural strength and endurance and to maintain alignment.